Reporting a Close Call

1. Who can report close calls?
2. Can I report a close call that happens to either me or to someone else?
3. When should I file a report?
4. What should I do if I see a situation that could endanger me or someone else?
5. How do I report a close call?
6. Can a single close call report be used to cover multiple events or are separate close call reports required?
7. Where do I obtain a blank report?
8. What happens after I submit my report?
9. Is there a limit on damage incurred to report a close call?
10. What is the FRA reporting threshold?
11. Can I report an event over the FRA threshold?
12. When an event incurring damages of less than the FRA reporting threshold is observed by a manager in real time, can the event be reported as a close call?
13. Could someone use C³RS to get someone else in trouble?
14. How often can I use C³RS?

1. Who can report close calls?
   Any operating craft employee, including those in training or on probation, working within the boundaries of the C³RS Demonstration Project can report close calls, but only union represented employees covered by the IMOU will receive protection from discipline, as defined in the carrier’s IMOU.
   Managers can also report a close call confidentially, but unlike union represented employees will not receive protection from discipline.
2. Can I report a close call that happens to either me or to someone else?
   Yes.
3. When should I file a report?
   File a report if you are involved in an event occurring inside the boundaries of the C³RS that meets the close call definition. For site-specific examples of events see New Jersey Transit or Amtrak.
4. What should I do if I see a situation that could endanger me or someone else?
   In an emergency, always call the carrier first. After you have contacted your supervisor or the person in charge, submit a report to NASA.
5. How do I report a close call?
   • Complete the close call report form either electronically or on paper. Amtrak will make postage-paid paper forms available at sign-up locations or you can download the form.
   • Submit the form to NASA within three calendar days, not counting weekends and Federal Holidays, from the date of the incident.
6. Can a single close call report be used to cover multiple events or are separate close call reports required?
   No. A separate close call report is required for each close call event.
7. Where do I obtain a blank report?
   You can obtain a blank report at your on-duty location or here.
8. What happens after I submit my report?
   • For an electronic submission, NASA will provide you with a verification code number for tracking purposes.
   • When NASA receives your report, an analyst may contact you to clarify or obtain additional information.
   • NASA will determine if the event qualifies as a close call.
   • NASA de-identifies all personal and carrier information in the report to provide complete confidentiality.
   • NASA enters data and the de-identified report into the NASA C³RS database.
   • The report identification strip is removed and mailed to you at the address you provide as proof of report submission.
   • A de-identified summary of the report will be sent to your PRT only if you checked the box on the top of the form.
   • The PRT analyzes the data and possibly recommends corrective action to the company.
9. Is there a limit on damage incurred to report a close call?
   Yes. Damage must be below the FRA reporting threshold.
10. What is the FRA reporting threshold?
    $10,500
11. Can I report an event over the FRA threshold?
    Yes. But you will not receive protection from carrier discipline and/or decertification and FRA enforcement.
12. When an event incurring damages of less than the FRA reporting threshold is observed by a manager in real time, can the event be reported as a close call?
    Yes, but there will be no protection from carrier discipline, FRA de-certifications, or other sanctions.
13. Could someone use C³RS to get someone else in trouble?
    No. All information that could identify someone is removed (de-identified) before it can be shared. Even if no names are given, NASA will not share any information that could enable someone to determine the person making the close call report or people and information referred to in the report.
14. How often can I use C³RS?
    There is no limit to the number of times that you can file a report.

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